CH. 4: False Gods

[JadedDM]

Kendra Synclair (2723 Crooked Road, Synclair residence)
Kendra returns to her family's home without incident. Letting herself in with her own key, she finds her family quickly making preparations for the wedding.

[mgbevan]

"Yeah we may have a made a poor introduction of ourselves, but we spoke to Darewind in his back room. He did the whole hand cutting thing again, really nice pendant he uses for it by the way, said he would help raise warriors to kill the Giant, and said if you're uncle was still unwell to come and speak with him." Gregeddin follows on in the conversation. "When we arrived the warehouse was overflowing with supporters and he was there giving a speech. Apparently there are no guards left and they are going to storm the temple of the Seeker council or something. The people there really seem to like him, and really don't like it when you suggest he isn't really all he makes out to be, or they have a new dance involving nooses."

Thinking about Raetmal up in his room Gregeddin adds, "Darewind seemed quite fond of you when we spoke earlier, it might be worth going to speak to him and seeing what he can do for your uncle."

[BishGada]

Tulbas, obsessed with his uncle state, find it hard to think logically. 'Maybe he could really help... but worshiping Fistandantilus?!? Maybe that's what Uncle meant when he said they are coming for all of us...' He looks at Gregeddin and says, "I'm not sure he will be fond of me for much longer. Taking the city will only cause a lot more bloodshed, I've many doubts about Darewind's honesty which I'll probably won't able to hide, Raetmal insists there are only the old Gods, and on top of this... Fistandantilus?!? Even if he is not fraud I'm afraid he might cause more damage than help." He shakes his head thoughtfully, "Nonetheless I must go speak to him, to hear what help he can offer. Did you manage to speak to Nora by any chance? Anyway, I better go right now, but someone need to stay with Raetmal." He looks at the others. He knows he couldn't trust Haaque alone in a mageware shop, and Darga already done a lot to help him, if the black robed mage will come, he might jump out of his skin. His eyes linger on Gregeddin...

[mgbevan]

"You're a clever enough guy, just play your cards right and do what you can for Raetmal, I don't mind watching the shop, I'll be reading up on some of your books about arcane magic if that's all right." Gregeddin replies to Tulbas, "I don't know what Nora looks like so I didn't notice if she was there, but we didn't speak to her in any case. With the volume of people at the warehouse, perhaps there will be no one left to resist... There won't be any bloodshed if there is no one to oppose them taking the temple..."

[BishGada]

"Unfortunately it is not only the priest who suffer from the rebellion. When there are riots, the citizens of the city all suffer, whether Seekers or just innocent hard day workers. Anyway, thanks for staying." He looks at Haaque and Darga, "Let's go." before leaving he takes another round attending to his uncle and leaves some instructions for Gregeddin regarding the herbs he boils and put near his uncle bed.

[mgbevan]

"Mmm suffering just seems inevitable these days" Gregeddin concurs.
He pulls up a chair so that he can keep an eye on Raetmal as he reads. The thought of music to sooth him crossed his mind, but Gregeddin quickly shunned the idea as passers by might be perturbed to find music coming from the mageware shop.

[JadedDM]

Tulbas (and presumably Haahqae and Darga) step outside of the mageware shop and are instantly greeted by the chill autumn air. Bundling up, they head north to the harbor district, where the warehouse currently used as the cult's headquarters stands. It's late afternoon now, and the rain has stopped but the sun refuses to make an appearance.

When they arrive, they find it is much as Gregeddin described it. There are no longer any guards set at the door; anyone who wishes can enter or exit as they please. The building is crammed full of people of various ages and races, all preparing for tonight's celebration. Tables and chairs are being set up, and it smells like they are cooking up a feast in the back.

Kelryn himself is on a raised dais, telling some of the followers who are too old or young or sick to be of any help about the wonders of some place called 'the promised land.' Nora seems to be coordinating the efforts of preparing the feast, as many people bring her updates, ask for new orders, or seek her approval or disapproval on minor decisions.

=========

It is currently Ninth Watch (3:00 PM).

[djhyland]

Darga follows along with Tulbas, clutching his walking stick and wishing that he'd had time to go back to Trench's house and don his armor. But even as he wishes it so, he knows that wearing armor to meet with the cultists would draw unwanted attention. Keeping his concern to himself, he keeps close to Tulbas as the elf lad enters the warehouse and waits for him to make his next move.

[mgbevan]

Gregeddin browses the various books within the mageware shop, eventually settling on an Elven book recalling tales of magical happenings in fictional stories. He gently says the words aloud to practise, softly letting the paper of each page drop feather-like as he reads.

[BishGada]

Noticing Darewind is busy, Tulbas quickly marches toward Nora. "Hello Nora." he bows respectfully. "My friends told me that you managed to release Darewind and he is here. I assume he is the one on the dais..." Tulbas glances at Darewind. "He told my friends that he can help my injured uncle, but he seems busy right now." Trying to make his next question as naive as any anxious caring nephew question can be he continues, "Have you ever seen him heal someone injured? My uncle was stabbed in his chest, and he is unconscious for more than a full day. I know Darewind can heal himself, but did you see him pass Fistandantilus grace on another person injured similar to my uncle?"

[JadedDM]

"Ah, Tulbas," Nora says when she sees him. "I was wondering where you disappeared to."

"My friends told me that you managed to release Darewind and he is here. I assume he is the one on the dais..."

"Not me, Darewind released himself. He arrived last night, and said that that the power of the Master had allowed him to walk free." She smiles up at Darewind, eyes shining with reverence. "It was truly a miracle."

"Have you ever seen him heal someone injured? My uncle was stabbed in his chest, and he is unconscious for more than a full day. I know Darewind can heal himself, but did you see him pass Fistandantilus grace on another person injured similar to my uncle?"

"I've seen him give sight to the blind and allow cripples to walk again, with just a prayer and a touch," Nora says. "I suppose now that you mention it, I've never seen him cure a stab wound before, but I'm sure he can. Is your uncle a believer of the Master?" she asks.

[BishGada]

"Well, he is not." Tulbas admits, "But he is pretty skeptic regarding all matters." he forces a small smile. "I'm a believer and I'm sure being healed by the Master will turn him a believer too." he says, his features return to express his concern for his uncle.

[JadedDM]

Kendra Greylock (2527 Market Street, Greylock's Gorgeous Gems)
That night, Kendra finds herself lying in bed next to her new husband, who had quickly exhausted himself when they returned from the wedding and was now fast asleep.

The wedding had been a simple affair, performed by a Seeker priest and blessed by the new gods. Her family had been overjoyed and even Norris nearly broke down into tears of happiness at one point during a speech. There had been much celebrating, drinking and eating, toasting, cheering and speech giving.

Afterward the new married couple had returned to Norris' place--now his and Kendra's, by law--and retired to bed. Kendra had quickly consumed the herbs beforehand. Norris had had a bit too much to drink, though, and hadn't lasted all that long. He was soon passed out beside her, and would likely wake with a terrible headache in the morning.

Gregeddin (253 Herbalist Street, Erogundali Mageware Shop)
Gregeddin quietly sits alone, save for the unconscious wizard, reading an old elven book.

Tulbas, Darga and Haahqae (Cult Hideout, Harbor District)
Nora smiles and places a hand on Tulbas' shoulder. "That may be true. I have met few as strong in faith as you, Tulbas. You've done so much for us, and I've made sure Kelryn knows it. If you like, I'll see if I can arrange for him to stop by when he can and see your uncle."

[HorizonsDream]

Kendra looks to her sleeping husband and shakes her head as she carefully gets out of bed and gets dressed. She had a few drinks during the celebration, but not enough that she passed out like Norris. ~He's going to be miserable in the morning,~ she thought to herself. Quietly, she walks down stairs, and out of the house (making sure to lock it up), before going back to the tavern where she had a couple of drinks with Crystal.

[JadedDM]

Kendra Greylock (Grinning Goat Tavern, Common room)
Kendra bundles up and heads to the Grinning Goat Tavern. It's not the safest part of the city during the day, and is even rougher at night. Still, Kendra carries herself with the confidence of someone who knows how to take care of herself; and this alone often serves to ward off most troublemakers lurking in the shadows.

Stepping inside the tavern, she finds the place is much more crowded and rowdier than it was earlier in the day. Numerous sailors, thieves and ne'er-do-wells drink, sing and laugh boisterously. The beleaguered waitresses move to and fro, carrying drinks, slapping away groping hands and taking down orders.

Crystal sits at the end of the bar, enjoying a drink, with a free stool next to her. Strangely, none of the men, even the more drunken ones, come near her. Indeed, they give her a wide berth.